Alex Fraser has set its sights on improving the biodiversity of its Clarinda Recycling Facility in Victoria.
Biodiversity has been a key part of HeidelbergCement’s 2030 sustainability commitments.
Its subsidiary, Alex Fraser Group, has rehabilitated the Clarinda Recycling Facility from a quarry into a recycling facility.
Surrounded by thousands of indigenous trees, the site not only recycles up to one million tonnes of Melbourne’s construction and demolition waste every year but it is a home to a diverse range of native flora and fauna.
Managing Director Peter Murphy said the recycler’s commitment to sustainability ran deeper than its work to help build greener roads.
“As Australia’s leading producer of sustainable construction materials we pride ourselves in upholding our commitment to the communities and environments in which we operate,” he said.
“It is our responsibility to make sure our facilities continue to set the benchmark for environmental performance and that we make a positive contribution to the communities we are part of.”
At the Clarinda Recycling Facility Alex Fraser has committed itself to improving the habitat for native species through a community conservation program. Its strategy draws from the advice of other former quarries that have been transitioned into wildlife sanctuaries.
One of these sites includes Darebin Parklands in Victoria, which was a former 40m deep quarry hole that then became a tip. The tip site was then rehabilitated into a parkland that is now home to echidnas, native fish, flying foxes and up to 70 species of birds.
Murphy said the company was taking a collaborative approach to maximise the impact of their latest environmental initiative.
“We’re collaborating with experienced conservationist within parent company, Hanson, as well as some very learned and enthusiastic community partners like Zoos Victoria, Ecology Australia and our neighbours at Heatherton Christian College,” he said.
Zoos Victoria has helped Alex Fraser to develop a biodiversity improvement plan for the local area, which includes protective shelters and bird refuges.
Clarinda’s neighbouring school, Heatherton Christian College, will have ongoing access to the green, nonoperational areas of the site, allowing teachers and students to be part of the biodiversity projects that will provide unique, hands–on educational experiences.
Clarinda Recycling Facility employees have sighted numerous birds, reptiles and amphibians around the south eastern site. To get a clearer understanding of the quality site’s current biodiversity and it’s potential, Alex Fraser has commissioned Ecology Australia to complete comprehensive frog and birdlife study to confirm what species inhabit the vast waterbodies and diverse greenery on the 22ha property.